Looking at a 1987 24ft bow rider this afternoon...

Steve91T

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
302
Hello all. Here's the craigslist ad:23'

http://roanoke.craigslist.org/boa/2157610421.html

First off, my last boat was a 01 Larson 19ft (18.5 really) bowrider with the 190hp 4.3 Volvo Penta. It was a great boat, but honestly was just a little small once you get a few people on it. Performed great though. 50 mph top speed per the GPS and was fuel efficient.

So...this boat. I spoke to the guy who is selling it for a friend. The owner owns a marina and is a boat mechanic. Apparently, little cosmetic damage, and no rips or tears on the interior, which has been since been detailed.


The first thing I'm going to be checking is for soft spots in the floor. That's what I worry about with a boat this age. Also the engine and drive. I'll get more info, but apparently the lower unit was serviced and the compression of the engine checked before it was winterized.

I'll have to get more info once I talk to the guy and see the boat in person.

Some questions about this boat. How do these boats perform? What I liked about my Larson, was I could cruise comfortably at 30 MPH, but kick it up to 40 or so if the water was smooth and I needed to make good time. I loved the 50 mph top speed. It also would get out of the hole quickly. Even with several people in the boat, pulling a wakeboarder was easy.

I understand this boat is bigger and heavier, with a big engine, which hopefully means great performance, but will also cost more to operate. Any idea what kind of fuel efficiency I can expect? What about top speed and handling?

Does anyone own a boat like this? I'd like to know what you think of it.

Any opinions would be appreciated. Seems like the price is reasonable. Being winter and with the economy, I'd try to get it for less.

Let me know what you guys think. I know Sea Rays are great, just not sure about one this old. Also, I'm not sure if I like the seating configuration.

Thanks,
Steve
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Looking at a 1987 24ft bow rider this afternoon...

Can't speak specifically to that boat but as far as fuel use you can figure gph(gallons per hour)
will be about 10% of the rated hp at wot. ie: 300 hp = about 30 gph at wot.Of course it could be signifigantly less at cruising speed.Keep in mind any size boat can get in trouble very quickly
at high speeds.
 
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